Filipino craftsmanship is finding a new canvas in contemporary fashion as artisans from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts’ (NCCA) Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) program bring this artistry to UNIQLO Philippines’ “Filipino Artisan Patches for the Celebration of 70 Years of Japan-Philippines Friendship.”
The collaboration between UNIQLO Philippines and fashion designer Mr. Wilson Limon, in partnership with master artisans through the NCCA SLT program, brings together the traditional craftsmanship of the different indigenous peoples of the Philippines from the communities of the Itneg of Abra, the Panay Bukidnon of Iloilo, and the T’boli of Lake Sebu. Using upcycled UNIQLO alteration fabric scraps, the artisans create handcrafted patches that reflect their respective embroidery and weaving traditions, with each piece individually hand-stitched to highlight the distinct artistry and cultural identity of the communities.
UNIQLO Philippines Chief Operating Officer and Chairman of the Board Osamu Ikezoe, Creative Art Director Wilson Limon, Itneg Schools of Living Tradition in Abra Cultural Master Luis Agaid, Jr., Panay Bukidnon School of Living Tradition in Iloilo Cultural Master Regina Villanueva, T’boli School of Living Tradition in South Cotabato Cultural Master Edna Mofak, UNIQLO Philippines Marketing Director Jan Jizelle Ang, and UNIQLO Geraldine Sia, celebrate the launch of the RE.UNIQLO Special Artisan Patches, showcasing Filipino artistry while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisan communities.
The patches highlight the distinct textile traditions of each community. Itneg artisans are known for their handwoven textiles and embroidery featuring geometric patterns; Panay Bukidnon artisans practice panubok, a traditional hand embroidery technique characterized by intricate geometric and traditional motifs; and lastly, T’boli artisans, while widely known for their t’nalak weaving tradition, also practice traditional embroidery, with both textile practices reflecting the community’s rich cultural heritage. These traditions are reflected in the artisans’ own skills and craftsmanship, allowing each community’s distinct cultural identity to be expressed in the finished pieces.
This initiative supports NCCA’s continuing efforts to safeguard and promote Philippine cultural heritage, particularly through the SLTs, which provide spaces for cultural bearers to pass on traditional knowledge and skills to succeeding generations.
Through the collaboration, Filipino craftsmanship finds a new space in contemporary fashion, giving Filipino artisans an opportunity to reach new audiences while sharing and celebrating the cultural traditions they continue to pass on through generations.
Running from July 29 to October 31, 2026, the collaboration features handcrafted patches available at selected UNIQLO stores nationwide, including the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO SM Mall of Asia, UNIQLO Bonifacio High Street, UNIQLO SM North EDSA, UNIQLO SM Megamall, UNIQLO Greenhills, UNIQLO Nuvali, UNIQLO Ayala Center Cebu, UNIQLO SM Seaside City Cebu, UNIQLO SM Davao, UNIQLO Davao Roadside Store, and UNIQLO SM Lanang Premier.
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